Norway has accelerated plans to scale up its national security infrastructure against threats emanating from the cyber domain. In late January 2019, the Norwegian government released two documents highlighting its approach. "This strategy is intended to address the challenges that will inevitably arise in conjunction with the rapid and far-reaching…
The Norwegians are pursuing enhanced satellite coverage for Arctic defense and security. In a press release issued last year on March 23, 2018, the requirement was identified. Today, broadband coverage in the High North is poor and unstable. The Government now wants Norwegian satellites to make broadband communications available in…
By Alex Joske For more than a year, debate has raged over allegations that the Chinese military is taking advantage of Google’s research and expansion into China. General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a senate committee in March that Google’s work in China indirectly benefits the…
By Robbin Laird During my current visit to Australia, I had an opportunity to continue my discussions with Air Vice Marshal (Retired) John Blackburn with regard to the challenges facing Australian energy security. Increasingly, there is a perception that Australia needs to create an energy reserve or buffer with regard…
According to a story published on the UK MoD website on April 5, 2019, a Royal Navy vessel conducting United Nations sanctions enforcement against North Korea has successfully tracked an illegal transfer at sea. Working alongside Japanese partners, HMS MONTROSE spotted a North Korean ship in the East China Sea, alongside…
By Robbin Laird The Russian takeover of Crimea signaled an end to the optimistic post-Cold War era. As Putin continued to ramp up challenges, the West gradually began to focus on the return of direct defence. Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber attack is, in many ways, surpassing other forms of…
If ever one wanted proof that disruption of advanced networks is a challenge and a problem, look no further than the recent disruptions of air traffic in the UK and beyond from a reported drone sighting near the airport and the follow on events. Just today, the UK MoD has…
By Robbin Laird When I was in Australia, I had a chance to meet with the Australian company EOS which has very innovative laser tracking technologies which provide for Australia and her allies a key space tracking capability. This technology has evolved to the point that not only can they…
